Effect of Sambucus Ebulus Extract and Erythromycin on Albendazole-Induced Histomorphometric Changes in Placenta of Rat

There are some reports that albendazole passes placenta and causes disorders in fetus. Besides, there is some evidence that the effect apparently is related to its active metabolite, albendazole sulfoxide. So, erythromycin is the choice to inhibit metabolizing enzymes. On the other hand, free radicals have an important role in teratogenic effect. For this reason, the Sambucus ebulus extract as an antioxidant agent was selected for this study.
This study was performed on 42 pregnant rats divided into six groups. Control group received oral normal saline and test groups received albendazole (30 mg/kg/oral), albendazole (30 mg/kg/oral) plus Sambucus ebulus extract (600 mg/kg/intraperitoneal), albendazole (30 mg/kg/oral) plus erythromycin (60 mg/kg/intraperitoneal), erythromycin (60 mg/kg/intraperitoneal), and Sambucus ebulus extract (600 mg/kg/intraperitoneal), respectively. All drug administered on 9 to 11 days of gestation. On 20th day of gestation, placenta were harvested, and tissue sections were stained using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome, and examined under light microscope.
Findings: Based on microscopic study, albendazole significantly increased the thickness of spongy layer and decreased the thickness of labyrinth layer of placenta compared to control group. In forth group, compared to albendazole group, the thickness of spongy layer was not significantly different, but the thickness of labyrinth layer was significantly increased. In third group, compared to albendazole group, the thickness of spongy layer decreased, and the thickness of labyrinth layer increased significantly.
According to our findings, Sambucus ebulus extract compared to erythromycin, decreases the effect of albendazole in placenta much better.